Bacon Mac and Cheese brings together two beloved comfort foods into one irresistible dish. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleasing side at gatherings, these recipes add crispy, savory goodness to creamy, cheesy pasta. Dive into a world of flavor with variations that suit every taste—from classic styles to gourmet twists. Get ready to indulge in some cheesy, smoky perfection!
Creamy Bacon Cheddar Mac
Creamy Bacon Cheddar Mac is a delicious twist on the classic mac and cheese that brings together rich flavors and satisfying textures. The combination of buttery, cheesy pasta and crispy bacon creates a comforting dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s simple to whip up, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering with friends.
This recipe features homemade cheese sauce that’s creamy and cheesy, paired with crunchy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor. It’s sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook the chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving some grease in the pan.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring until thickened. Add the cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat. Fold in the crispy bacon.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese or bacon if desired.
Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Mac
Spicy Bacon Jalapeño Mac is a mouthwatering twist on the classic mac and cheese. This dish combines cheesy goodness with the smoky flavor of bacon and the kick of jalapeños, making it a perfect comfort food for those who appreciate a bit of spice. It’s quite simple to whip up and is sure to impress your family or friends with its bold flavors.
The creamy and cheesy texture pairs beautifully with the crispy bacon, and the fresh jalapeños add just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this homemade mac and cheese will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1-2 jalapeños, sliced (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the milk, and continue to stir until the mixture thickens. Add the garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
- Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, chopped bacon, and sliced jalapeños. Stir until well combined.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your spicy, cheesy creation!
Bacon Crusted Mac and Cheese Bake
Bacon Crusted Mac and Cheese Bake is a mouthwatering dish that combines the creamy goodness of homemade mac and cheese with a crunchy, savory bacon topping. This cheesy delight brings together rich flavors that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your heart. It’s simple to make, perfect for a cozy dinner or a gathering with friends.
The dish features perfectly cooked macaroni enveloped in a silky cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon bits that add an irresistible crunch. Each bite is a wonderful blend of textures, making it an instant favorite at any table. Whether you’re a mac and cheese lover or just looking for a delicious comfort food, this recipe is sure to please!
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the sauce. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted.
- Combine the cheese sauce with the cooked macaroni and mix well. Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the crumbled bacon with the breadcrumbs and sprinkle it over the mac and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
